Background context: Subdural hematomas (SDHs) have been described as a rare complication from durotomy after lumbar spine surgery. In half of the reported cases, the durotomy was unnoticed intraoperatively. The most common presenting symptom was persistent headache.
Purpose: To report a case of SDH after routine microdiscectomy and to review the literature.
Study design: Case report and review of the literature.
Methods: Retrospective review of patient's history and imaging studies.
Results: A 39-year-old female underwent routine microdiscectomy for L5-S1 herniated disc. There were no complications, and no dural tear was noted. Approximately 1 week postoperatively, the patient complained of severe headaches. Imaging revealed a right intracranial chronic SDH and a lumbar pseudomeningocele. Operative exploration of her lumbar wound revealed a dural tear, which was closed primarily. The patient had subsequent resolution of her SDH.
Conclusions: The authors present a case of a routine microdiscectomy complicated by delayed cerebrospinal leak causing a chronic SDH. This report illustrates the need for a comprehensive evaluation of headaches after spine surgery.